How can VBAC be made safer?
• Inducing or speeding up labour with synthetic hormones increases the risk of the uterus rupturing, so this should be avoided wherever possible. • Having an epidural increases the likelihood of needing a caesarean as well as the need for the labour to be sped up, so it is best to avoid them if possible. Planning for a VBAC There are several things you can do to increase your chances of a successful VBAC: • Eating a balanced diet, exercising and educating yourself are important. • Pick your support people carefully and make sure they are in tune with what you want and are committed to helping you achieve your goals. • Take responsibility for your pregnancy and birth and don’t hand this over to anyone. • Be prepared to stand your ground, and remember you make the decision and live with the experience. • Work on the fear you will have and prepare yourself and your support people for the critical times in labour where it is hard to stay positive, such as when you reach the point you ”got
